Kuttikkanam
March 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Hill Stations in Kerala, Kuttikanam
KALEIDOSCOPIC KUTTIKKANAM
Listen o the chirpy birds and discover the green beauty of life. Nature is on prowl at Kuttikkanam. It is fast developing and much sought after hill station. Kuttikanam renowned for its misty atmosphere is situated very close to Peermede. Cold beyond imagination, scenes beyond expectation, Kuttikanam is a world totally devoid of pollution. This is the right place for adventure tourism and rock climbing. This pictographic region is washed in the intoxicating fragrance of cardamom, tea, coffee, pepper, vanilla and many other spices. It is a land that achieved its apotheosis during the days of Travancore kingdom.
This place is known as “Kerala’s Own Ooty” as it is covered with mist all around the year. The climate is very pleasant.According to mythology the Pandava princes with their wife Panchali, spent their period of exile in the delightful site of this hills, this place later came to be known as “Panchalimedu” (medu means ‘meadows’).
Enjoy Tranquility in Thrishankhu Hills
The lovely landscape of the green clad hills and gentle breeze makes an ideal vacation spot. Thrisankhu hills are also used by the armed forces as a firing range. It also offers a breathtakingly beautiful view of the valleys below. Standing atop of these hills will give you an enticing look of sunrise and sunset.
A Walk to the Tea plantations
This is a beautiful hill station covered with unending expanse of tea plantations. The early morning mist was beginning to clear with the sun light beaming through, and all around us were huge mountains covered in a patchwork of tea plantations. Spread over acres of land, walking through the lush green plantations and watching the tea garden workers plucking the leaves is truly a memorable experience.
The Fall from Heights
Valanjanganam waterfalls cascade is approximately 75 feet long and wreathed with haze. This beauty is also nicknamed as Ninnumullippara and stands as the main attraction of Kuttikkanam. You will certainly love it! It is so charming and attractive that you will definitely halt to spend some of your leisure moments with this enchantress.
Summers of early Rajas
This summer palace at Kuttikkanam is also owned by the Maharaja’s family, which is locally called as ‘Thamby Kottaram’. In 1962 His highness Maharaja handed over this palace to Sri Swamy Athuradas, which later developed as ‘Athurasramam Homeo Medical Collage’ at Kottayam. The teak structure, the smoke-stained hearths, corridors, the underground escape passage, the prison cell; the durbar hall and all portray a beautiful picture of the earlier crowned heads. But now it is in its dilapidated condition. Nevertheless, the caretaker will take you on a whirlwind tour of the crumbling palace.
Tomb of Muslim saint Peer Muhammad
Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint who is believed to be the first trader of spices in this region. Infact, ‘Peermede’ is named after him. His tomb is preserved over here and you can also pay a visit to the mausoleum of the Sufi-Saint Peer Mohammed.